FootballThe theme Coming into MAC play, I find it quite difficult to gauge how a defense will perform in the conference. Kentucky poured 56 points on the Golden Flashes. On the other hand, KSU kept Iowa State to 14 points. One thing is certain, Kent State has been effective at stopping the pass. The team is 18th in the nation, allowing just 146 yards per game through the air. Senior cornerback Jack Williams leads that defense. Aside from him, there aren't a ton of playmakers, but the unit is all-around solid and should be in the top three in the MAC at the end of the season.Key players CB WilliamsHow Akron can score I imagine the Flashes will match up Williams on Jabari Arthur. If that's the case, the Zips' top receiver must use his seven-inch height advantage. The running backs must also use this game to get their season going. No longer will the Zips offensive line be overpowered by stronger, more experienced defenders. Kent State has surrendered 180 rushing yards per game. Expect Dennis Kennedy to shrug off his slump with a big game.

Notes:
A few of you have said there isn't the usual buzz surrounding this game. I disagree. I have never been so pumped up for a college football game since 2005. Hopefully I'll be able to keep my tailgating excitement in check.
Reggie Corner would like to be a coach when his playing career expires, the PD
reports.
The Canton Repository
mentioned Corner might have a future in the NFL.
David Lee Morganwrote about the Zips' passing attack, which he says isn't one-dimensional. (I will agree once a receiver has a big game or makes a big play.)
DLM also
writes about the magnitude of this game for UA seniors.
ROO UPDATE: Zippy
has taken the overall lead from Cocky (S. Carolina). Be sure to keep
voting.